Cleat bender

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a sheet metal cleat, together with a method and apparatus for forming material such as sheet metal into Ushaped cleats. The sheet metal cleat includes a planar edge margin having an outer or free edge which is spaced at a uniform distance from the unbent portion of the sheet metal. The method involves bending of the sheet metal around the end of a die of uniform thickness. The apparatus includes a single die and a pair of metal forming members which are movable along paths at right angles to each other and relative to the die so as to bend the sheet metal around an end of the die into a U-shape. Also included is a clamping member movable in parallel relation to and in the same guideway as one of the punches. The apparatus is also particularly designed to afford side loading and unloading, as well as front loading.

[451 May 8,1973

Deibele, Jr.

[54] CLEAT BENDER [76] Inventor: Albert J. Deihele, Jr., 616 Paine Street, Keil, Wis. 53042 1 FllBdI Feb. 7, 1971 Appl. No.: 104,644

[52] US. Cl. ..72/306, 72/403, 72/411 [51] Int. Cl. ..B2ld 41/00 [58] Field of Search ..72/403, 411, 296,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 674,530 11/1963 Canada ..72/306 Primary ExaminerChar1es W. Lanham Assistant ExaminerM. J. Kennan Attorney-Robert E. Clemency, John W. Michael, Gerrit D. Foster, Bayard H. Michael, Paul R. Puerner, Joseph A. Gemignani, Andrew 0. Riteris and Spencer B. Michael [57] ABSTRACT Disclosed herein is a sheet metal cleat, together with a method and apparatus for forming material such as sheet metal into U-shaped cleats. The sheet metal cleat includes a planar edge margin having an outer or free edge which is spaced at a uniform distance from the unbent portion of the sheet metal. The method involves bending of the sheet metal around the end of a die of uniform thickness. The apparatus includes a single die and a pairof metal forming members which are movable along paths at right angles to each other and relative to the die so as to bend the sheet metal around an end of the die into a U-shape. Also included is a clamping member movable in parallel relation to and in the same guideway as one of the punches. The apparatus is also particularly designed to afford side loading and unloading, as well as front loading.

11 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures Patented May 8, 1 973 3,731,514

2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

Patented May 8, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jnwnd ow Q7662! a ezeie I! CLEAT BENDER RELATED APPLICATION Reference is hereby made in accordance with 35 USC 120 to my earlier application Ser. No. 58,048 filed July 24, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to sheet metal cleats and to methods and apparatus for forming sheet metal components with U-shaped cleats to facilitate assembly of the sheet metal components into ducts. In this regard, such components can either be (except for the cleats which are to be formed) flat or generally of L-shape and can have applied thereto any suitable insulation.

In the past, sheet metal cleats have commonly been formed on machines which are known as brakes. Cleats resulting from such machines commonly have a bentover portion which is crowned along the free edge of the cleat. As a consequence, there is a variation in distance from the free edge to the unbent portion of the sheet metal. Such variation renders assembly of such cleated components difficult and time consuming. If the amount of crowning is substantial, assembly can be very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve.

The prior Gordon US. Pat. No. 482,962 discloses a brake for forming metal employing two dies and two forming members.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a method of forming a sheet metal cleat so that the bent portion has a planar margin with a free or outer edge at a uniform distance from the unbent portion of the sheet material. The planar margin is also substantially parallel to the unbent portion of the sheet material.

Also in accordance with the invention, the method involves locating a sheet of material relative to a die having an end portion with opposed surfaces separated at a uniform distance and such that the sheet material lies against one of the end portion surfaces and has an end part extending beyond the die end portion for a distance greater than the distance between the opposing surfaces of the die end portion. The method further includes the step of forming the projecting end part of the sheet metal around the die end portion so that the end edge cf the sheet metal end part is located at a uniform distance from the unformed part of the sheet metal and adjacent the other surface of the die end portion.

The invention also provides apparatus or means for forming U-shaped cleats on material such as sheet material, which sheet forming apparatus or means comprises a single die and two punches sequentially movable relative to the die and generally along paths which are transversely arranged with respect to each other, whereby to bend the material around a projecting part of the die. In addition, the apparatus is designed to afford side loading and unloading, as well as front loading. Such side loading and unloading is particularly significant as it permits integration of the apparatus in an automated continuous flow production process. Thus, in accordance with the invention, the machine includes side plates having access slots affording such side loading and unloading.

Side loading and unloading also facilitates, manual loading and unloading from both of the sides at simultaneous times so as to increase the possible manual output of the machine.

Also in accordance with the invention, there is provided a clamp member which is movable parallel to one of the punches and which is guided for movement in a common guideway with the one punch. The clamping member includes, at the clamping end, a clamping pad of resilient material affording accommodation of material of different thicknesses, while simultaneously preventing damage to the material being formed, notwithstanding the clarnping action.

According to another aspect of the invention, the upper portion of the machine extends forwardly of the end of the die around which the material is bent by a relatively small distance so as to allow use of the machine to form cleats along the edges of previously formed L-shaped pieces.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a machine including two sheet forming units which are located in facing relation to each other, and which include parallel sheet forming means, work receiving access openings at one end of the machine, and work discharge openings at the other end of the machine. In addition, one of the units is mounted on the machine for movement relative to the other of the units so as to selectively vary the distance between the sheet forming means. Accordingly, the machine is capable of receiving sheet material at one end of the machine, simultaneously forming the opposed edges of the sheet, one edge being formed by each sheet forming unit, and discharging the formed sheet material at the other end of the machine. Also included are means for operating the unit in predetermined sequence with respect to each other and with respect to the sheet material. This concept advantageously affords automated production on a flowthrough basis and accommodates sheet material of various widths.

The invention also provides a cleat having a bent portion with a planar margin which has an outer or free edge at a uniform distance from the opposed unbent portion of the sheet material and which is disposed in substantially parallel, spaced relation to the opposed unbent sheet material portion.

One of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of a method of forming a cleat with a bent portion having a planar end margin with an edge spaced at a uniform distance from the opposed unbent portion of the sheet material. The resulting cleat also constitutes one of the principal objects of the invention.

Another of the principal objects of the invention is I the provision of a new and improved sheet metal brake having a single die and two punches movable relative to the die and to each other to form a. cleat along one edge of the sheet material.

Another of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of forming apparatus which can be readily and easily integrated in a continuous production process.

Still another principal object of the invention is the provision of a machine having dual sheet material forming units located in facing relation to each other and movable relative to each other to accommodate therebetween sheet material of varying widths and to afford simultaneous cleat forming operations along the opposed edges of the sheet material. Such a machine is particularly well adapted for integration into a continuous production process.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a metal forming apparatus which is relatively simple and economical to construct, which is simple to operate, and which will provide a long and useful life.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become known by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic perspective view of a material forming apparatus in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view with parts broken away and in section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view with parts broken away and in section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the punches in their retracted positions but with the clamping member in clamping engagement with the material to be formed.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, particularly illustrating the action of the vertical punch. 7

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, particularly illustrating the action of the horizontal punch.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a machine or apparatus which embodies various of the features of the invention and which includes two sheet metal forming units in relation to each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The apparatus disclosed in the drawing is operative, in accordance with the inventive method, to produce a cleat in accordance with the invention. More specifically in accordance with the invention, the method involves the use of a die 23 (see FIGS. 4 through 6) having an end portion of uniform thickness with opposed surfaces and comprises the steps of locating a sheet of material 21, such as sheet metal, relative to the die 23 such that the sheet metal lies against one surface of the die end part or portion 27 with an end part or portion of the sheet metal extending beyond the die end portion for a distance greater than the distance between the opposed surfaces of the die end portion. The method further involves forming of the extending end part of the sheet metal around the die end portion so that the end edge of the sheet metal end part is located at a uniform distance from the unformed part of the sheet metal and is adjacent to the other surface of the die end portion.

As a consequence of the just explained method, there is produced a sheet metal article or cleat including, in series, an end portion having a substantially planar margin with an outer or free edge, a web portion extendingfrom the end portion remotely from the outer edge, and another or unbent portion extending from the web portion in generally parallel relation to said end portion margin and at a substantially uniform distance from said edge.

The drawings are illustrative of a material forming device or machine 11 which embodies various-of the features of the invention and which operates in accordance with the method of the invention. More specifically, the machine 11 is especially adapted for forming material, such as sheet metal, with a reversely bent cleat of U-shaped portion 13 (See FIG. 6) and generally includes a frame 17 carrying a bed for supporting (See FIG. 4) the material 21 to be formed. In addition, the machine 11 includes a die 23 of hardened and relatively thin material supported on the bed 19 and including a part which projects from the bed 19 and which has upper and lower surfaces spaced at a uniform distance. The apparatus 11 further includes a first or vertical punch 29 movable along a first path transverse to the upper surface of the die part 27 such that the first punch 29 travels in adjacently spaced relation relative to and across the free end of the projecting die part 27 to transversely bend the material 21 to be formed about the free end of the projecting die part 27, and a second or horizontal punch 31 movable along a second path generally parallel to the undersurface of the die part 27 such that the second punch 31 travels in generally adjacently spaced relation to the undersurface of the die part 27 to further bend the material 21 to be formed around the free end of the die part 27 and into a position between the die undersurface and the second punch 31. The machine 11 also includes means for sequentially moving the first and second punches 29 and 31 respectively along their respective first and second paths. In addition, the device 11 includes a clamp member 33 movable parallel to the first punch 29 and into engagement with the material 21 to be formed so as to hold the material 21 to be formed on the upper surface of the die 23.

One of the features of the invention resides in the arrangement of the punches 29 and 31 relative to the die 23 and the construction of the machine 11 such that the machine is open at both sides to permit entry and/or removal of the material 21 to be formed from either side of the machine, including the capacity to permit free travel of material into the machine at one side and from the machine at the other side.

More particularly, the frame 17 can be of any suitable construction and includes a pair of generally identical side or end plates or members 41 each of which includes a horizontally extending slot 43 generally dividing the side members into a base portion 47 and an upper portion 49 having a lesser depth than the base portion 47. In order to facilitate supply of material 21 to be formed and removal of the formed cleats 13, the slots 43 extend inwardly relative to the forward margins of both the base and upper portions 47 and 49 of the side plates 41.

The side plates 41 are united in spaced apart relation by several transverse members including an upper I- beam 53 and a rearward I-beam 57. In addition, the side plates are transversely connected by the guide plates or members later to be described. Additional transverse strengthening members such as shown at 59 can be employed as may be necessary.

Extending at the front of the frame between the side plates 41 and from adjacent to the lower edge of the slot 43 is the bed 19 which has an upper surface 61 adapted for support of the material 21 to be formed. The bed 19 includes an inner transverse margin 63 located into the slot 43 and can be provided along the inner margin 63 with a recessed surface 67 adapted for receiving the die 23. The bed 19 is adjustably supported on the frame 17 to accommodate positioning of the bed 19 in various positions relative to the slot 43 so as to accommodate variation in the configuration of the bends imparted into the material being formed. In the specifically disclosed construction, the bed 19'is adjustably fixed to a member 69 which extends transversely between and is bolted or otherwise suitably attached to the side plates 41 and which also forms, as will be disclosed in greater detail, a part of the means for mounting and guiding movement of the second or horizontal punch 31.

The die 23 is constructed of a relatively thin, hardened material having an upper surface 71, an undersurface 73, and the projecting part 27 which has a free end 79. The die 23 is suitably adjustably fixed on the bed 19 such that the extent of projection of the part 27 inwardly of the slot 43 can be varied to suit the configuration of the cleats to be produced. The recessed surface 67 in the bed 19 is preferably dimensioned so that when the die 23 is mounted on the bed 19, the die upper surface 71 is co-planar with the upper surface 61 of the bed 19.

The vertical punch 29 extends transversely of the machine 11 between the side plates 41 and is a generally flat member having a main body portion 83 and a lower part 87 of reduced thickness with one face 89 co-planar with the rear face 91 of the main body portion and with a material engaging portion or surface 93 located rearwardly of the front face 97 of the main body portion 83 and in spaced relation from free end 79 of the die 23 at a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the material or metal being formed, as shown particularly in FIG. 5. Located immediately forwardly of the vertical punch 29 and in sliding engagement with the frame face 97 is the generally flat clamping plate or member 33 which has suitably connected, to the lower end thereof, a resilient clamp or pad 99 of resilient material. While various resilient materials can be employed, in the disclosed construction, the clamp is constructed of neoprene having a durometer of 60. Use of the resilient clamping pad affords uniform and secure clamping, notwithstanding variation in thickness of the material 22 and without damage to any preformed portion which may exist.

The vertical punch 29 and the clamping plate 33 are mounted for parallel vertical movement relative to the die 23 by suitable means in the form of a pair of vertically orientated, transversely extending guides 111 fixed at their ends to the side plates 41. More particularly, the guides 111 are located such that the material engaging portion 93 of the vertical punch 29 travels in adjacently spaced relation from and across the free end 79 of the die 23 to a position which is effective to bend material projecting from the die 23 around the free end 79 of the die 23.

The clamping plate 33 is movable relative to a position in clamping engagement with the material 21 supported on the upper surface 71 of the die 23 and/or on the upper surface 61 of the bed 19.

The second or horizontal punch 31 extends transversely across the machine 11 between the side members 41 and is also a generally flat member having a main body 117 with a material engaging portion 119 at one end. In this regard, the inner end 121 has a slightly rounded corner 123 between the inner end 121 and the upper horizontal punch surface 125.

Means are provided for guiding and supporting the second or horizontal punch 31 for travel along a path which partially underlies the undersurface 73 of the die 23 such that the material engaging portion 119 of the horizontally movable punch 31 travels into a position of adjacently underlying relation to the underside of the projecting part 27 of the die 23 to further bend the material 21 to beformed around the free end 79 of the die 23 and into a position between. the die undersurface 73 and the material engaging portion 119 of the horizontal punch 31. While various arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, such means includes another part 131 of the previously mentioned member 69 and an additional member 133 which extends transversely between the side plates 41 and which is located in spaced parallel relation above the member part 131. The forward end 137 of the member 133 also serves as a stop to limit inward positioning of material to be formed. However, the lower portion of the rearward member 111 could also be so employed.

Means are provided for sequentially moving the first and second punches 29 and 31 and the clamp member 33. While various arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, fluid pressure means is employed. More particularly, the clamp member 33 is reciprocated along its path by a pair of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 141 which, at their upper ends, are connected to the upper cross l-beam 53 and, at their lower ends, are connected through suitable yokes 143 to the clamp plate or member 33. The vertical punch 29 is movable along its path by means including a transversely spaced pair of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 151 which, at their upper ends, are connected to the transverse I-beam 53 and which, at their lower ends, are connected through yokes 153 to the vertical punch 29.

The horizontal punch 33 is moved along its path by a pair of horizontally spaced pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 161 which, at their rearward ends, are connected to the rearward transverse I-beam 57 and, at their forward ends, are connected through yoke members 163 to the main body 117 of the horizontal punch 31.

The various cylinders 141, 151, and 161 are actuated through timing devices well known in the art so that, in operation, after apiece of material 21 to be formed has been placed on the bed 19 and on the upper surface 71 of the die 23 with its inner edge in abutting relation to the end 137 of the member 133, the clamp cylinders 141 are actuated to lower the clamp member 33 for clamping engagement of the pad 99 adjacent the material 21 to be formed so as to securely hold in place the material 21 to be formed. Subsequently, the cylinders 151 are actuated to drive downwardly the vertical punch 29 so that the material engaging portion 93 travels past the free end "/9 of the die 23 and bends downwardly the material 21 to be formed through an angle which, as shown in FIG. 5, is substantially less than The cylinders 151 are then actuated to retract the vertical punch 29 and the cylinders 161 are subsequently actuated to advance the horizontal punch 31 toward the die 23 and into a position in partial underlying relation to the die 23. Such movement of the horizontal punch 31 causes further bending of the material 21 to be formed around the free end 79 of the die 23 and into parallel spaced relation with the material 21 clamped to the top of the die 23, such that the projecting part 27 of the die 23 is located in the bite of the resulting U-shaped bend or cleat 13. Upon completion of this last bending operation, the cylinders 161 are actuated to retract the horizontal punch 31 to the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. After subsequent retraction of the clamping member 33 by the cylinder 141, the material with the resulting U-shaped cleat 13 can now be withdrawn from the machine 11 by sliding the material laterally for removal outwardly through one of the slots 43 at either side of the machine.

From the foregoing,.it is apparent that the machine 1 1 can be fed from the front or can be fed by supplying material into the slots. After the bending operation is completed, the material can be removed from the machine by lateral movement out through the slots 43 in the side plates 41. Of particular significance is the capacity of the machine for integration into a continuous flow process wherein material to be formed, such as sheet metal, is supplied to the machine through one slot and withdrawn through the opposed slot, thereby permitting integration of the machine in an automated production line.

Shown in FIG. 7 is a machine 209 which includes dual sheet metal forming units 210 and 211 which, except as otherwise explained hereinafter, are of generally identical construction to the machine 1 l. The units 210 and 211 are mounted on a common base 212 in facing relation to each other with work receiving access openings at one end, with work discharge openings at the other end, and with a sheet forming means located between the ends and in generally parallel relation to each other. In addition, one of the units, i.e., the unit 210, is stationarily mounted on the base 212 while the other unit 211 is mounted on the base 212 by suitable means affording movement of the unit 21 1 toward and away from the unit 210 so as to accommodate simultaneous bending of the parallel outer edges of various widths of sheet metal located between the units. While various arrangements including chain, screw, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other arrangements can be employed for moving the unit 21 1 relative to the unit 21g), in the disclosed construction, such means includes g'uideways (not shown) and is additionally in the form of an electric motor 214 which is connected through a gear box 216 and a chain and sprocket drive 218 to a sprocket chain 220 which is trained around idler pulleys 222 and 224 and, at its ends, is connected to the frame of the unit 211. Accordingly, when the electric motor 214 is operated in one direction, the unit 21 1 will be advanced toward the unit 210 and when the electric motor 214 is operated in the other direction, the unit 211 will be retracted relative to the first unit 210.

More specifically with respect to the construction of each of the dual units 210 and 21 1, each of the units includes, as has already been explained, a frame and a die of hardened and relatively thin material with a part having a free end projecting from the frame. Each of the units also includes a first punch and means mounting the first punch on the frame for movement along a first path transverse to the projecting die part and such that the punch travels adjacent to the free end of the projecting part to bend the material to be formed about the free end of the projecting part. The dual units each further includes a second punch and means mounting the second punch on the frame for movement along a second path transverse to the path of the first punch and such that the second punch travels in generally spaced relation to the projecting die part to further bend the material to be formed around the free end of the die part and into a position between the die part and the second punch. Also included in the machine is conventional means for sequentially displacing the first and second punches of the first and second units along the respective first and second paths.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the machine 209 shown in FIG. 7 is particularly well adapted to be integrated into a continuous production process and to accept a continually moving ribbon or series of sheet metal pieces and for forming the cleats along the opposed margins of the metal. In addition, the movable mounting of one of the units on the base provides for accommodation of sheet metal of varying widths.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Forming apparatus comprising a frame including a die of hard and relatively thin material with a part projecting from said frame, a first punch, means mounting said first punch on said frame for movement along a first path transverse to said part and such that said punch travels in spaced relation from the end of said part at a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the material to be formed so as to initially bend the material to be formed about the end of said part through an angle of substantially less than a second punch, means mounting said second punch on said frame for movement along a second path transverse to said first path and such that said punch travels in adjacently spaced relation to said part to further bend the material to be formed around the free end of said part and into a position between said part andsaid second punch, and means for sequentially displacing said first and second punches along said respective first and second paths.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 including means for locating the material to be formed in proper position relative to said die, said means comprising a part of said means mounting one of said first and second punches.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said frame includes a pair of transversely spaced side plates each having a slot affording access to said die.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for displacing said first and second punches is operating to advance and retract said first punch relative to a position effecting bending of the material to be formed and prior to advancing and subsequent retracting of said second punch relative to a position effective to continue bending of the material to be formed.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means for displacing said first and second punches includes fluid pressure means.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 and further including a clamping member mounted on said frame for movement parallel to said first punch and relative to a position clamping the material to be formed relative to said frame.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 including means for displacing said clamping member relative to said clamping position.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 including means for displacing said clamping member relative to said clamping position, said clamping member displacing means being connected to said means for sequentially displacing said first and second punches and being operative to advance said clamping member to said clamping position prior to advancement of said first punch to a position effecting initial bending of the material to be formed and being operative to retract said clamping member from said clamping position subsequent to retraction of said second punch from a position effecting bending of the material to be formed.

9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 including a bed for supporting material to be formed, and means for adjustably locating said bed relative to said frame, and wherein said die is adjustably mounted on said bed.

10. A metal forming apparatus comprising a frame including a pair of transversely spaced side plates each having therein a slotin registry with the slot in the other of said plates, a bed for supporting material to be formed, means for adjustably locating said bed relative to said frame in a position accessible through said slots, a die of hardened and relatively thin material adjustably mounted on and projecting from said bed with an upper surface, an undersurface, and a free end, a clamping member, means mounting said clamping member on said frame for movement along a second path transverse to said die upper surface and relative to a position clamping the metal to be formed against said die, a first punch including a metal engaging portion, means mounting said first punch on said frame for movement along a second path transverse to said die upper surface and such that said metal engaging portion of said first punch travels in spaced relation from and across said free end of said die at a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the metal to be formed so as to initially transversely bend the metal to be formed about said free end and through an angle of less than 90, a second punch having a metal engaging portion, means mounting said second punch on said frame for movement along a third path generally parallel to said die undersurface and relative to a positionin partially underlying relation to said die such that the metal engaging portion of said second punch travels in adjacently spaced relation to said undersurface of said die to further bend the metal to be formed around said die free end and into a position between said die undersurface and said metal engaging portion of said second punch, means for locating the metal to be formed in proper position relative to said die, said means comprising a part of said means mounting said second punch on said frame, and fluid pressure means on said frame and connected to said first and second punches and to said clamping member and operative sequentially to advance said clamping member to said clamping position, advance and retract said first punch relative to a position effecting initial bending of the metal to be formed, advance and retract said second punch relative to a position effective to continue bending of the metal to be formed, and to retract said clamping member from said clamping position.

11. A sheet forming machine comprising a base, a first sheet forming unit stationarily mounted on said base and having a work receiving access opening at one end, a work discharge opening at the other end, and sheet material forming means located between said ends, a second sheet forming unit having a work receiving access opening at one end, a work discharge opening at the other end, and sheet material forming means located between said ends, means mounting said second unit on said base for movement of said second unit toward and away from said first unit and with said second unit in facing relation to said first unit with said access openings at one end of said base, with said discharge openings at the other end of said base, and with said sheet material forming means in parallel relation to each other, and means on said frame for moving said second unit relative to said first unit, each of said sheet material forming means of :said first and second units including a frame, a die of hardened and relatively thin material with a part projecting from said frame with a free end, a first punch, means mounting said first punch on said frame for movement along a first path transverse to said part and such that said punch travels in spaced relation from the end of said part at a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the material to be formed so as to initially bend the material to be formed about said free end of said part through an angle of substantially less than a second punch, means mounting said second punch on said frame for movement along a second path transverse to said first path and such that said second punch travels in generally spaced relation to said part to further bend the material to be formed around saidfree end of said part and into a position between said part and said second punch, and means for sequentially displacing said first and second punches along said respective first and second paths.

l l k UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 5 9 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,73l,5l4 I D t d May 8, l973 Inventor(5) Albert J. Deibele Jr .7

It: is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters'Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 4, line 7; delete "of", insertor' e-g Column 8, line '59; delete "operating";insert--'-operative--;

Column 9, line 36; delete "second", insettfi r st- Signed aIId sealed this 12th day of March 1974 I (SEAL) Attest: I EDWARD M. FLETCHE R,JR. I C MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. Forming apparatus comprising a frame including a die of hard and relatively thin material with a part projecting from said frame, a first punch, means mounting said first punch on said frame for movement along a first path transverse to said part and such that said punch travels in spaced relation from the end of said part at a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the material to be formed so as to initially bend the material to be formed about the end of said part through an angle of substantially less than 90*, a second punch, means mounting said second punch on said frame for movement along a second path transverse to said first path and such that said punch travels in adjacently spaced relation to said part to further bend the material to be formed around the free end of said part and into a position between said part and said second punch, and means for sequentially displacing said first and second punches along said respective first and second paths.
 2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 including means for locating the material to be formed in proper position relative to said die, said means comprising a part of said means mounting one of said first and second punches.
 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said frame includes a pair of transversely spaced side plates each having a slot affording access to said die.
 4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for displacing said first and second punches is operating to advance and retract said first punch relative to a position effecting bending of the material to be formed and prior to advancing and subsequent retracting of said second punch relative to a position effective to continue bending of the material to be formed.
 5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means for displacing said first and second punches includes fluid pressure means.
 6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 and further including a clamping member mounted on said frame for movement parallel to said first punch and relative to a position clamping the material to be formed relAtive to said frame.
 7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 including means for displacing said clamping member relative to said clamping position.
 8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 including means for displacing said clamping member relative to said clamping position, said clamping member displacing means being connected to said means for sequentially displacing said first and second punches and being operative to advance said clamping member to said clamping position prior to advancement of said first punch to a position effecting initial bending of the material to be formed and being operative to retract said clamping member from said clamping position subsequent to retraction of said second punch from a position effecting bending of the material to be formed.
 9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 including a bed for supporting material to be formed, and means for adjustably locating said bed relative to said frame, and wherein said die is adjustably mounted on said bed.
 10. A metal forming apparatus comprising a frame including a pair of transversely spaced side plates each having therein a slot in registry with the slot in the other of said plates, a bed for supporting material to be formed, means for adjustably locating said bed relative to said frame in a position accessible through said slots, a die of hardened and relatively thin material adjustably mounted on and projecting from said bed with an upper surface, an undersurface, and a free end, a clamping member, means mounting said clamping member on said frame for movement along a second path transverse to said die upper surface and relative to a position clamping the metal to be formed against said die, a first punch including a metal engaging portion, means mounting said first punch on said frame for movement along a second path transverse to said die upper surface and such that said metal engaging portion of said first punch travels in spaced relation from and across said free end of said die at a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the metal to be formed so as to initially transversely bend the metal to be formed about said free end and through an angle of less than 90*, a second punch having a metal engaging portion, means mounting said second punch on said frame for movement along a third path generally parallel to said die undersurface and relative to a position in partially underlying relation to said die such that the metal engaging portion of said second punch travels in adjacently spaced relation to said undersurface of said die to further bend the metal to be formed around said die free end and into a position between said die undersurface and said metal engaging portion of said second punch, means for locating the metal to be formed in proper position relative to said die, said means comprising a part of said means mounting said second punch on said frame, and fluid pressure means on said frame and connected to said first and second punches and to said clamping member and operative sequentially to advance said clamping member to said clamping position, advance and retract said first punch relative to a position effecting initial bending of the metal to be formed, advance and retract said second punch relative to a position effective to continue bending of the metal to be formed, and to retract said clamping member from said clamping position.
 11. A sheet forming machine comprising a base, a first sheet forming unit stationarily mounted on said base and having a work receiving access opening at one end, a work discharge opening at the other end, and sheet material forming means located between said ends, a second sheet forming unit having a work receiving access opening at one end, a work discharge opening at the other end, and sheet material forming means located between said ends, means mounting said second unit on said base for movement of said second unit toward and away from said first unit and with said second unit in facing relation to said first unit wiTh said access openings at one end of said base, with said discharge openings at the other end of said base, and with said sheet material forming means in parallel relation to each other, and means on said frame for moving said second unit relative to said first unit, each of said sheet material forming means of said first and second units including a frame, a die of hardened and relatively thin material with a part projecting from said frame with a free end, a first punch, means mounting said first punch on said frame for movement along a first path transverse to said part and such that said punch travels in spaced relation from the end of said part at a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the material to be formed so as to initially bend the material to be formed about said free end of said part through an angle of substantially less than 90*, a second punch, means mounting said second punch on said frame for movement along a second path transverse to said first path and such that said second punch travels in generally spaced relation to said part to further bend the material to be formed around said free end of said part and into a position between said part and said second punch, and means for sequentially displacing said first and second punches along said respective first and second paths. 